Max HeyraudCassö and Daire have experienced a stratospheric ascent over the last year, with both artists claiming a slew of jaw-dropping achievements such as Brit Award nominations, chart-topping hits, millions of streams, sold-out gigs, and more. The now-close friends carry the torch for a new generation of ravers by highlighting fresh sounds that helped shape their success stories, but they’ve managed to remain humble and hungry while enjoying the wild ride together.
Cassö and Daire are the poster boys for Acid Booking Crew, a UK-based artist agency and management company. The two met online in the summer of 2023 when Daire expressed early interest in the now-chart-topping track, Prada. “I was torturing him for this tune. ‘Bro send me this tune, I need to play it in my sets’. And this was before it had any hype built around it.”
Around the same time, both signed with Marty of Acid Booking Crew. They’ve been following similar trajectories for the past six months, sharing lineups, stages, and planes. While both are clearly enjoying their newfound success and are at ease performing as headlining acts at festivals and clubs, their relationship has helped them acclimatise to the often fast-paced and chaotic lifestyle of a touring DJ.
Cassö; “It’s nice to have someone in the same position as me. We can relate to a lot of things and we genuinely do get along really well. We always have good fun when we’re on tour together.”
I speak with the two via Zoom only three days before they land at Dublin’s Index, Cassö’s return following his debut with Fionn Curran and Daire’s first outing in the famed Dublin booth. Both were ringing in from London, Cassö around 30 minutes outside the city centre and Daire in his hotel room, about to go into the studio with a major artist and label. While social media portrays the pair’s busy and usually glamorous touring lifestyle and club moments, it was nice to catch them at a more relaxing time, both intently engaged in creating new music, with the landmark Index event on their minds that weekend.
Index is no mean feat for any artist, its large-scale capacity and awe-inspiring layout has been home to some of the world’s most renowned DJs from Jamie Jones, Armand Van Helden, Jayda G, James Hype and more. Although the pair are well versed with the Irish crowd, they still understand the magnitude of this style of gig.
Daire; “It’s on my bucket list of shows to play, especially since I’m from Ireland. I’ve ticked off The Telegraph and now Index in my home country, the two venues that most DJs aspire to play. I’m buzzing.”
Cassö thinks back to his debut at Index ahead of his return this weekend “It was wild. It’s always the way with Irish crowds but this crowd specifically, they we’re really going for it. I’ve got a lot of love for Ireland. Whenever I go to Ireland the scenes are crazy. I never have a bad show when I’m over with you guys.”
Both commonly play B2B and feature in similar lineups, such as the next one in Dublin. Even when they’re not programmed to play together, it’s not unusual for the two to have an impromptu B2B session. Despite the fact that they both frequently perform on some of the biggest stages in dance music, they manage to instil a sense of spontaneity and fun that is sometimes lacking on such stages. Crowds are responding to their free-spirited DJ sets, which reflect their laid-back yet focused personalities.
Daire attributes it to “the kind of friendship we have,” while Cassö explains that the sporadic B2Bs began due to his lack of confidence when he first started playing. “I was new to DJing. I’d get worried that I’d fuck up a mix or something, so I’d ask Daire to join me, and we actually worked really well. We have a lot of good chemistry going on.”
While the pair are often known for their productions, which frequently amass millions of listens, their passion for DJing shows through as they discuss performing together and experimenting with diverse sounds. When they get in the booth, BPMs, genres, and crowd expectations can all be set aside; they’re content to go with the flow for the most part.
Daire discusses how the pair try to meet in the middle when playing. “Sometimes we start at a lower BPM and then we go faster, but Cassö seems to be going harder than me these days, so it’s not a problem,” the pair laugh. Daire continues; “That’s why I do open to close sets; I enjoy all genres. That is why I do this.”
Less than a month ago, the pair announced that they would close out the new 30,000-capacity indoor main arena at Creamfields, a milestone achievement for any DJ, but for Cassö & Daire, it’s a little more personal. Cassö: “We’ve been going to Creamfields for years.” It’s the one place where I’ve gone with my friends and said, ‘That is the goal.'”
Cassö adds; “I was there last year, and I was joking around saying ‘next year, next year’.” It’s crazy that this happened and on the new indoor mainstage. I think Tiesto is handing it over to us. I can’t believe those words are coming from my mouth”.
Daire reflects on the pair’s early days together and alludes to a somewhat full circle moment, saying, “Cassö played in Belfast for the first time in late August or early September of last year, and that was our first ever B2B. A year later, we’re closing the Saturday of Creamfields. It’s crazy.”
Despite the weight of closing out the iconic Saturday of Creamfields on their shoulders, the pair still feels like they’re finding their footing with the idea of success or even DJing as a job. Daire reflects on their recent Irish tour, saying, “It was fun to experience tour life. It made me realise that this is my job. This is who I am.”
Although Daire is no stranger to somewhat frenzied touring schedules, “I think there was a show’s that I had eight show’s in eight days.”
The duo are also gearing up for another monumental milestone in their careers: an Ibiza Rocks residency this summer with Multunes and SoundCloud. The Isle’s magnitude and significance in dance music culture, particularly Daire’s journey in dance music, is undeniable. Ibiza Rocks’ distinction and cultural status is undeniable, particularly given the island’s recent history. Craig David, Becky Hill, Stromzy, MK, Rita Ora—the list goes on. The two lads who can be described as unassuming are next on this decorated scroll of distinguished past guests.
The island’s lasting impression on Daire is something that drives him today, his goal to play in Ibiza was imperative to his career. “Ibiza is everything to me. To play there was my number 1 bucket list goal for 2024. I just wanted to play one show, but to have a season in one of the prominent pool parties in the world, it’s a dream come true.”
Cassö the younger of the two can’t quite relate to Daire’s adoration for the dance music mecca, but as a devoted music producer & lover, he understands the significance this residency holds. “I’ve never been to Ibiza, so I don’t really understand like ins and outs of the island, but when you hear stories from Daire or friends that have been there, you really start to understand that it is a mecca for music.”
We give the serious chat a break for a minute. The mere word, Ibiza, seems to have this immense power of striking a sense of fun. Daire starts to chat about some playful stories that go hand in hand with the white isle.
“Last year I stayed at Ibiza Rocks and the first day, I lost my phone, wallet, passport… I lost everything. “ From staying Ibiza Rocks in the midst of a drunken escapade to holding down a mammoth 10-week residency. It’s clear these lads are living a fever dream.
Cassö diverts from Daire’s somewhat frenzied Ibiza story, to touch on his respect for his friend and how Daire’s party persona isn’t a full representation of him as a person. “There’s Daire on social media and that is genuinely him as a person, but I’ve also learned that there’s a lot more of a calmer and more of professional side to him that people don’t know. You’d expect him to be the one making mad decisions, but often he’s the one that’s pulling me away from doing silly stuff.“
Cassö and Daire are new to the full-metal jacket style of touring and DJing. Touring takes time to adjust to, and being the centre of attention for a few hours in a club before returning to a deafeningly quiet hotel can be an odd adjustment, especially for those who are most at ease in the studio. Cassö’s journey into this world differs slightly from Daire’s; due to the success of Prada, Cassö was thrown into the fast-paced world of dance music while attempting to grasp DJing, fame, and the rest. Daire, on the other hand, had been working steadily for the past two years, touring Belfast and Ireland. He serves as something of a mentor for the duo.
“Cassö asks me for advice; I’ve been doing this a little longer than him, though not for very long; I’ve been playing live for the past two years, but I’ve been looking at some of the older guys in the scene and asking for advice. You’re better off learning from your own mistakes at the end of the day.”
When asked who is more likely to go to the afterparty, Daire quickly responds, “I’d say we’ll be holding hands and skipping to the party.” The pair laughs.
Speaking of parties, Cassö’s speak about his experience playing at the notoriously drunken private party that is, The Trinity Ball. The UK-based DJ had played there the week before as a headliner, and for many internationals, the event was notably weird, but for Cassö who was probably of similar age to college students at the party, it was an opportunity to let loose and have some fun.
“That was wild. We went to pre-drinks before in some apartment, it was sick. There were just so many people, but it felt a bit more casual, so it loosened me up and I was able to play what I wanted.”
Despite the casual atmosphere, the dress code caught him off guard: “It was quite funny actually. “I looked like a scrub in comparison to all these guys,” he says, laughing.
Cassö’s love for Irish crowds continues, as Ireland has become something of a second home for the breakout artist in recent months, with him frequently touring the island and gaining a massive following, as well as spending 22 weeks in Ireland’s Top 10. “The Irish crowd just go for it 100%. It’s full-send in Ireland. It’s mental to watch.”
Daire continues on Irish crowds. “I’m probably biassed in saying this, but Irish crowds are by far the best for me, with Scotland being a strong second. Scotland and Ireland share a strong relationship and personality. Even when speaking with other DJs from Europe and England, they all agree that Belfast and Dublin have the best crowds. There’s something about the Irish. Even when Ireland is playing football on TV, the Irish fans have fans.”
Asking what the difference is between playing in more intense and hard-edged environments such as Dublin, Belfast, and Glasgow and playing in other places. The pair appear to be well-versed in the nuances and styles of various cities; neither is rigidly committed to one style, but is willing to adapt to the circumstances.
Daire: “I think I’m very musically aware in that sense. Because I know I won’t be playing as much madness in Dublin as in Belfast. Because each city was so different, that tour taught me a lot about how to read crowds and such. Galway differed from Dublin, which differed from Waterford. So, when I go away to places like London or elsewhere, I know where I’m going and can sort of study what works. The last thing you want to do is play at 150 BPM and they don’t like it.”
Cassö: “I’m newer to this than Daire, so I don’t have as much experience reading crowds. I was in Estonia over the weekend. I assumed that because it was next to Germany, they would like hard techno and that stuff, but when I started playing harder, I could tell they didn’t like it. “That stuff always throws you off.”
Aside from being recognised at festivals and clubs such as Creamfields and Ibiza Rocks, Cassö and Daire have remixed for some of the music industry’s biggest names. Cassö has recently remixed Calvin Harris and Daire for Becky Hill and Sonny Fodera.
Cassö: “I met him at the Brits, and we talked a little bit. My manager Marty already knew his manager, and given how well Prada and my Tate McRae remix performed, it just made sense for all of us. I’m never going to turn down a remix opportunity from Calvin Harris. Everything fell into place and I grabbed it with both hands.”
Daire: “Yes, it was just sent to my manager. He asked, “Do you want to remix this?” And I said “Yes.” Becky is amazing; she has such a beautiful voice. I slapped an organ over it and said, “Yeah, get this.”
Daire goes on to explain what it’s like to work at this level: “It’s impostor syndrome. It’s crazy to me because I’m just a regular guy from North Belfast. Yesterday, for example, I was in the studio with Jem Cooke, another incredible artist, and I was sitting there thinking she had 100 million Spotify streams. How did I get into this room with her to record a song? It keeps you grounded. You can’t walk in there thinking you’re the man or whatever.” “It keeps you humble.”
Cassö picks up where Daire leaves off. “I always assumed that if something like this happened to me, I would let it get to my head. It is actually the opposite. I’ve matured so much over the last six months. I understand how volatile this industry can be. It’s not an industry where you can be complacent and say, “Oh, I made Prada, I completed it,” because that’s not how it works; you have to be consistent over time and keep going. I don’t think either of us, even though we’re doing so well, are complacent.”
Although both have had significant success with tracks, with Cassö’s obviously receiving more commercial success and Daire’s being more directed at Soundcloud, they both recognise that the industry is changing and that making these hits does not always translate into traditional success, with guaranteed gigs and bookings. Social media plays a huge role in keeping artists relevant and relatable.
Cassö “You might think that just because I have ‘Prada’ that means I’m set for the rest of my life, with gigs or whatever, but that’s not how it works. The social media aspect of things, which Daire is currently teaching me about, is extremely important. Gigs and streams are two different entities with their own variables.”
Daire: “Promoters are really looking at your social media following on TikTok & Instagram before they book you, which can be a bad thing for people who don’t have a following, but they’re amazing DJs or producers, who maybe aren’t getting the same opportunity that some other TikTok guys are getting.”
Daire’s social media, on the other hand, accurately depicts him as both a human being and an artist. Many artists depict this egotistical and poser-centred narrative, whereas Daire chooses to be unapologetically himself, which works.
“Authenticity sells; just be yourself. I think that’s why I pull such a young audience: they can come to see me and see me as an inspiration, the guy next door. I will never be portrayed as a big superstar DJ. “It is not my personality.”
We return to their tracks, and with both artists boasting massive numbers across their various songs, I wondered if either producer had any inclination about the magnitude of the releases prior to releasing them.
Cassö: “No, when I started producing, I wanted to get streams. I was gradually getting more like. People don’t realise that I had three or four SoundCloud releases prior to ‘Prada’, and they were all incrementally improving. So, while I expected ‘Prada’ to do well, I don’t think anyone could have predicted how well it did.”
Daire buts in with a cheeky “Who called it Cassö” and laughs. Cassö then recalls speaking with Daire when the ‘Prada’ was still in its early stages: “I was messaging Daire because he had been in talks with labels and done deals and stuff. I remember saying, “I don’t think it’ll even do like 100k streams,” when it was only at 20k or so. Daire always predicted it would reach a million; now it is at half a billion. That was my first memory of thinking it could become big.”
In the aftermath of such a monumental hit as ‘Prada’, Cassö discusses making more music, with a lot more eyes on him as people expect a hit as big as his debut. The mounting pressure can cause many artists to crumble.
“I would be lying if I said there wasn’t a lot of pressure, especially with the upcoming release. People expect a lot from me. When you have a track that has done half a billion, no matter what, the next track will be perceived as a flop.”
The UK-based artist finds solace in keeping his head in the studio and focusing on the moment. “When you don’t think about it, you simply do what you believe is right. That is when the best things occur. I made ‘Prada’ in my room at uni and thought, “I like the sound of this”. So I need to get back into that mindset and forget about the pressures.”
Daire follow’s up Cassö, speaking about the importance working with a blank canvas approach, and not chaisng hits. “At the end of last year and start of this year, I was trying to make a hit, just constantly trying to make hits, and you need to get out of that mindset. That’s not what put me in this position. You just go in and have fun. You’ve got just got to enjoy it, if you’re trying to force something, it’s never going to work.”
As we near the end of the conversation, I wonder if it all seems real, and at what point have they paused to think ‘I’ve made it’.
Daire: “I feel privileged and humbled to be in this position, but it’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. Growing up, my mam would always catch me with my hands in the air and earphones in. I’ve imagined this life countless times. So whenever I’ve made it is when I’m able to retire my entire family, got enough money for kids & my kids, kids, and accomplish everything in life. But for the time being, I’m still hustling.”
For Cassö he is still coming to terms about with this life. “Being at the Brits was kind of crazy. But, to be honest, everything has happened so quickly and so much has been thrown at me. In a strange way, I’m numb to what’s going on. I haven’t been able to take a step back and say, “Oh, to be fair, that song is pretty good.” Like, that’s massive. I’m still like, yeah, I’m not sure what’s going on. There are points, you know, but you need to keep aiming higher. Otherwise, I don’t believe you’ll go higher.”
The pair prepares to play at Dublin’s Index on Saturday. Both bringing their high-energy and eceletic styles to the fabled South Dublin booth, this is a landmark show as two artists who have been touring the island take over the capital’s largest booth. Cassö steps up for his debut closing set, while Daire makes his debut in Index. Although a Dublin club show may appear insignificant in comparison to Creamfields’ 30,000-person capacity show, both artists clearly take each day as it comes and play every show as if it was their last. Making the most of every moment, because nothing is guaranteed in this industry or life. What is guaranteed is that the young trailblazers will rock one of Ireland’s most cherished dancefloors.
You can purchase tickets to Index & Four Four Present Cassö & Daire here.
